Mitchell Starc produced a sensational late spell to help Australia bowl South Africa out for 329 on Day 1 of the third and deciding Test at Newlands in Cape Town on Tuesday, October 27.
South Africa looked well placed to post a commanding total after a strong start, but Starc's six-wicket haul turned the contest around and gave Australia an opportunity to respond on Day 2.
Marques Ackerman and Aiden Markram Give South Africa a Strong Start
After winning the toss, Australia captain Pat Cummins elected to bowl first. The decision initially appeared to favour South Africa, with openers Marques Ackerman and Aiden Markram building a 158-run partnership.
Ackerman played aggressively, scoring 95 off 94 deliveries with 12 fours and two sixes. He narrowly missed a maiden Test century after being stumped by Alex Carey off Nathan Lyon.
Markram contributed 78 from 141 balls, hitting 10 fours and a six before falling to Josh Hazlewood. Their partnership put South Africa in a commanding position during the opening session.
David Bedingham added 50, but South Africa lost wickets at regular intervals after the openers departed. Captain Temba Bavuma was dismissed for a duck, while Matthew Breetzke managed only two runs.
Starc's Late Spell Changes the Game
Ryan Rickelton scored 42, while Marco Jansen contributed 52 to help South Africa recover through a 95-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
However, Starc struck with the second new ball, removing Rickelton and Jansen before dismissing Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada for ducks. His devastating burst accounted for four wickets across six deliveries in the closing stages.
Starc finished with figures of 6/72 from 16.3 overs, recording his 20th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Nathan Lyon also played an important role with two wickets, while Hazlewood and Cooper Connolly claimed one each.
South Africa were eventually bowled out for 329 in 82.3 overs, losing their final four wickets for just two runs.
Australia Prepare for Their First Innings
Australia will begin their reply on Day 2, with the series level at 1–1. The winner of the third Test will claim the series and the top position in the Test world rankings.
After struggling during South Africa's opening partnership, Australia's late resurgence has given the visitors renewed momentum heading into the second day's play.
